“Are you signing today, or do you need help spelling your own name,” Vanessa said lazily from the couch, her tone dripping with mockery.
Abigail slowly lifted her gaze toward Caleb Winthrop, her husband, who stood by the tall window overlooking the manicured gardens. He did not turn to face her, and instead stared outside as if the glass could separate him from responsibility.
“Leave her alone,” Evelyn said with a thin smile that carried no warmth. “She is probably calculating how much she is losing, although she came here with nothing and will leave the same way.”
The words hit harder than Abigail expected, yet she refused to let them see her break under their cruelty. She sat still, holding the pen, refusing to give them the satisfaction of watching her fall apart.
The family attorney leaned forward and pushed the papers slightly closer to her, speaking with rehearsed indifference. “The agreement is simple, you waive any claim to assets, support, or future compensation, and in return the family will not release certain evidence regarding your misconduct.”
Abigail’s eyes sharpened instantly as her heart pounded. “I never cheated,” she said firmly. “Not once.”
Edward, the family patriarch, let out a dismissive breath and leaned back in his chair. “We have photographs,” he said coldly. “If you refuse to sign, the entire city will know exactly what kind of woman you are.”
Her blood ran cold as she turned back to Caleb, silently begging him to deny it. “Look at me,” she said softly. “Tell me it is true.”
Caleb finally turned, his face completely blank, and his eyes carried none of the warmth she once loved. “Just sign the papers, Abby,” he said flatly. “Go back to your father and that repair shop, because you never belonged in our world.”
Something deep inside her broke in that moment, not just her heart but the belief that any of this had ever been real. Before she could respond, a distant engine sound cut through the silence and grew louder.
Three black luxury sedans entered through the iron gates and stopped in front of the house, their presence immediately shifting the atmosphere. Caleb frowned slightly as he looked toward the driveway.
“Who is that,” he asked, confusion slipping into his voice.
No one answered, because the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the marble hallway moments later. The door opened and three men in dark suits walked in, followed by a familiar figure.
“Dad,” Abigail whispered, unable to believe what she was seeing.
Patrick Foster stepped into the room with calm authority, his simple gray suit standing in contrast to the wealth around him. His presence alone silenced the room in a way no one expected.
“This is a private matter,” Edward said, attempting to regain control.
Patrick gave a faint smile that carried no kindness. “I am aware,” he said evenly. “But I am also an investor in your company.”
Caleb’s face drained of color instantly as he looked between them. “What does that mean,” he asked.
Patrick folded his hands calmly. “It means the company is no longer yours,” he replied. “The majority shares were purchased this morning.”
Silence filled the room as the attorney hesitated before confirming it. Vanessa whispered in disbelief while Evelyn’s composure began to crack.
“You are a mechanic,” Caleb said, his voice strained.
“I was,” Patrick answered simply. “I am also her father.”
Evelyn’s voice trembled slightly. “What about the divorce,” she asked.
Patrick turned toward Abigail, his expression softening. “My daughter will not sign anything today,” he said.
Then he faced Caleb again, his voice turning cold. “If she chooses to end this marriage, you will be the one walking away with nothing.”
Caleb stepped forward desperately. “Abby, please,” he said.
Abigail stood slowly, her voice steady despite everything. “I will sign,” she said.
Relief flashed across Caleb’s face too quickly.
“After the investigation is complete,” she added calmly.
His expression collapsed instantly.
Patrick adjusted his jacket. “This meeting is over,” he said.
As he reached the door, he paused and looked back. “I came here as a mechanic,” he said quietly. “Now I leave as the owner.”
He turned toward Abigail and extended his hand. “Let’s go home.”
For the first time in years, she walked out without looking back.
Inside the car, silence settled around them as the estate faded into the distance. Abigail leaned back against the seat and felt a strange mix of relief and heaviness.
Patrick sat quietly across from her, watching the city pass by through the window. He had always been a man of few words, yet his actions carried undeniable weight.
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